Onward, Christian Soldier

There is much controversy in the world today when discussing the issue of social transformation for the follower of Christ. All one has to do is turn on the news to see the tension between Bible-believing Christians and the secular humanists on the issues of civil rights, abortion, etc. There is also much diversity among fellow believers on just how much the Christian should influence so-called “neutral” areas of life (politics, science, economics, mathematics, etc).

The pessimillenialism of the dispensational camp does not leave much room for social and cultural reform. Why try to improve these “secular” areas of life if the world is all going downhill soon anyway? Others espouse a view that Jesus’ kingdom is “not of this world”[1] in the sense that earthly things do not matter, therefore Christians should not devote any extra effort to these things.

Jesus himself says that all authority on heaven and earth has been given to him.[2] This shows that certain earthly issues do have relevance for the Christian. Christ is Lord of all; there is nothing (no area of life) that does not belong to him. This means we must be striving to take these “secular” areas of life and put them in subjection to the Lord Jesus. Although many may say different, there is no area of life that can be defined as “secular,” for it all belongs to the sovereign God.

Dispensationalist Dave Hunt states, “The Great Commission does not involve exerting a Christian influence upon society. We are not to ‘change society,’ but to ‘convert individuals.’ There is much talk today about ‘changing the world for Christ.’ There is no Biblical teaching or example to support that popular slogan.”[3] I wonder what Mr. Hunt believes will happen if the number of converted continue to grow and grow?

Think about it like this. If tomorrow, all of a sudden the Holy Spirit quickened every politician, and those politicians became born again. Do you think there would be a drastic change in policy? Do you think everything would stay the same? Dave Hunt is right; Christian Reconstruction starts with personal conversion and sanctification. The principle that needs to be seen, though, is that personal sanctification will result in cultural sanctification. The more “Christian” the world’s people become, the more “Christian” the world will become.

At my university the idea of a biblical worldview is always promulgated. A worldview can be defined as the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world. A biblical worldview presupposes that the Bible is the Word of God, and that Word is to be the lens by which we see and interpret the world around us. If a Christian believes that God’s people should not influence these so-called “secular areas” of life, how can that person claim to have a biblical worldview?

Cultural transformation is not an easy task. The only way it can be done is by the grace of the God who created the world. Amazingly, God uses finite sinners like you and I to bring about incredible change, for His glory. It is intimidating, but trust God. This world will be redeemed and placed in subjection to Christ.[4] These things will happen, whether they are believed or not. Do not merely sit around leaving it up to those around you. Get up, get out, speak out, and for the sake of Christ, move onward, Christian soldier.

Footnotes (↵ returns to text)

Personally, I believe this phrase in John 18:36 is stating that the source of Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual, not earthly.↵